UPDATE 10/15, 6:38p.m. ET: Le’Veon Bell is set to sign a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
See original story below.
On Tuesday night, the New York Jets announced that they are releasing running back Le'Veon Bell.
Statement from GM Joe Douglas pic.twitter.com/By9XevVXVv
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 14, 2020
The Jets have been trying to trade the running back, but found no suitable partners. "After having conversations with Le’Veon and his agent and exploring potential trade options over the past couple of days, we have made the decision to release Le’Veon,” the general manager said in a statement. "The Jets organization appreciates Le’Veon’s efforts during his time here and we know he worked hard to make significant contributions to this team. We believe this decision is in the best interests of both parties and wish him future success."
Jets tried to trade Le’Veon Bell for weeks, dating back to last year’s trade deadline. There were no takers. Tonight they released him. Bell now is a free agent. https://t.co/i12gKi220k
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 14, 2020
According to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, the team owes Bell a guaranteed base salary of another $6 million this season. "His $8 million base salary for 2021 was guaranteed for injury only," he tweeted. "Virtually impossible to trade, but they tried. Instead, Bell is now a free agent." Bell signed to the Jets on a four-year, $52.5 million deal back in March of 2019.
Le’Veon Bell’s tenure with the Jets comes to a close after 17 games.
— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) October 14, 2020
In that time Bell made $28 million. Bell scored just 4 total TD.
That’s SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS per TD for those counting at home. pic.twitter.com/w1QYBRkmYe
Bell seemingly responded to the news with a prayer emoji on Twitter.
🙏🏾
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) October 14, 2020
Bell, who has had a contentious relationship with head coach Adam Gase, also tweeted out that he has "a lot to prove" and is "ready to go."
got a lot to prove. i’m ready to go. pic.twitter.com/oDqBM62JfN
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) October 14, 2020
"I hate that’s the route that we go with all of this instead of just talking to me about it, but it is the way guys want to do it nowadays," Gase told reporters on Monday after Bell liked tweets saying that he should have been used more. Bell also liked tweets that said he should be traded.
Unsurprisingly, the news of Bell's release got a lot of attention on social media. You can check out some reactions to it all below.
Jets: "After failing to find a trade partner, we've decided to release RB Le'Veon Bell."
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) October 14, 2020
Bill Belichick: pic.twitter.com/OAaRXHti82
*Le’Veon Bell gets released*
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) October 14, 2020
*Le’Veon drives to Mike Tomlin’s house* pic.twitter.com/LBkRUJZsvn
Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown combined for 3,479 yards of offense and 20 touchdowns for the Steelers in 2017 and were both named First team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 14, 2020
Now neither one is on an NFL roster.
Wild.
Le'Veon Bell leaving the Jets Facility like: pic.twitter.com/IiB81Dsh7h
— Rosa Parks’ Burner Account (@Rosasburner) October 14, 2020
Adam Gase when he finally leaves the New York Jets. pic.twitter.com/6JRnl1U5AQ
— Wager Street (@WagerStreet) October 14, 2020
Hey @LeVeonBell,
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) October 14, 2020
Congratulations. And thank you.
- #Jets fans https://t.co/BaJhcZlW5a
